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Thursday, January 16, 2014

A Cozy Winter Home with a Portiere

I hope you're staying warm in your part of the world. Here in Tennessee, we are having a few very chilly days along with our usual temps in the 50's.

One way I've found that helps keep our house warm on these chilly days is to hang a curtain in the doorway that leads to colder areas or, as in our house, to an area that is open to the second floor. Hanging curtains in doorways is nothing new. It's actually a very old idea and is called a portiere.

The use of a portiere has been around for many, many years. Some sources even say it dates back as far as the 4th century. During the Victorian era, it was a sign of wealth and was used as an ornamental decoration as well as to prevent drafts.

And, who can ever forget the famous green portiere used in Gone with the Wind, the one Scarlett O'Hara used to make herself a new dress. I love how she used the tiebacks for a belt, lol!

Well, my portiere is not made from green velvet. It's made from a 6'x9' drop cloth which matches the other curtains in our family room. Having seen this past month's electric meter reading and expecting a $500 electric bill, I can definitely say I wish I had done this sooner!

I didn't realize that was what they were called. Not only do they serve a great purpose, but looks so very pretty too! I love drop cloth. It's down home linen to me. lol! Thanks for sharing with SYC.hugs,Jann